Gu Changsheng was momentarily lost in thought when the two arrived in front of him.
Squinting his Red Phoenix Eyes and resting one hand on his chin, Gu Changsheng watched with interest the two individuals kneeling on the ground. Despite their position, their spines remained rigid. The girl who spoke seemed to be only seventeen or eighteen years old, and there was a deliberately suppressed heroic spirit between her brows that seemed all too familiar to Gu Changsheng.
"You say you can discern routes and manage horses?" Gu Changsheng tapped his finger on the tabletop, asking with waning interest.
"Yes." A concise single word, a formulaic response.
Such a familiar feeling, Gu Changsheng arched an eyebrow, wondering why.
"Ah, you troublemaker. Go back and stay put." Old Lady Xu hastily stepped forward to pull the two away, cautiously looking at Gu Changsheng, "My lady, please excuse the insolence, this base creature is always causing trouble. Taken away three or four times already and returned within a couple of days, please don't blame me, Old Lady Xu. I can't recommend someone so unruly for you."
"Oh?" Gu Changsheng raised an eyebrow again. Ancient "dentists" had returns and exchanges? What a fair and square era for trade... But they need to continue their journey after a bit of rest, returning goods was obviously a bit tricky.
"My lady, Han Qiu is willing to offer my loyal heart, only asking that you purchase my brother and me," the person kneeling on the ground said as she looked up, her gaze steadfastly meeting Gu Changsheng's.
"Loyal heart, eh... how much does that cost per pound?" The moment Gu Changsheng uttered those words, he wished he could smack himself for being so thoughtless.
The more ignorant the ancients were, the more they valued promises. The more they valued promises, the more loyal they were.
The person on the ground clearly didn't expect such a reply from Gu Changsheng. Her eyebrows furrowed tightly, and there was a hint of anger flashing in her eyes, obviously feeling humiliated.
The people around were also stunned...
"Ahem, ahem..." He coughed twice to cover up his blunder, "I didn't mean what you think I meant, don't mind it, don't mind it. I do believe in loyalty, but..."
"I believe even more in strength!" As soon as his words fell, Gu Changsheng sprang up and lunged towards Han Qiu, who was still on her knees.
Old Lady Xu cried out in alarm, retreating along with everyone else, her face showing disbelief. What was going on here? Weren't they here to buy someone? Why had it come to blows after just a few words?
Han Qiu reacted swiftly, dodging Gu Changsheng's oncoming palm wind with a deft side push off the ground, while pushing her younger brother aside.
Gu Changsheng didn't cease his attack, his hand performing a Horizontal Chop straight at Han Qiu's left shoulder. In a hasty defense, she raised her left arm to block while her right hand, shaped like a claw, struck at Gu Changsheng's side...
Their intense fight brought a flurry of moves that left the bystanders dazzled and uncertain of the details.
When they came to their senses, Gu Changsheng's hand was already at Han Qiu's throat.
"Sister... Let go of my sister..." The little one who was pushed aside rushed forward, grabbing Gu Changsheng's skirt and pounding on it relentlessly.
"Han Mo, back off," Han Qiu scolded sharply, unafraid as she met Gu Changsheng's gaze, "My lady, your kung fu is incomparable. Han Qiu admits inferiority."
Gu Changsheng shrugged with an 'of course' look in his eyes. Who was he? Was Gu Changsheng's time in the special forces for over a decade a waste? Did they think his extraordinary merit was gained through connections and empty favors? He had never resorted to such things—he only believed in absolute strength!
"Have you been in the military?"
"Yes, I've grown up following my father in the military since I was young."
Gu Changsheng smiled knowingly and withdrew his hand from Han Qiu's neck. He had a hunch—there it was, that familiar sense of solemnity and discipline, the presence and habits that only come from military upbringing.
"Nanny Xu, I'll take these two," Gu Changsheng said, gesturing toward the two and waving Old Lady Xu over from where she was hiding.
"My lady, are you sure you don't want to think it over? These two are indeed difficult to discipline..." Old Lady Xu began, but hesitated, her face creased with indecision.
"Purchasing me might bring trouble for you, my lady," Han Qiu, holding her brother's hand, stated as she looked squarely at Gu Changsheng.
"Oh? A big trouble or a small one?" Gu Changsheng, back in her seat, sipped her tea, asking casually.
"For my lady, perhaps not a big one," Han Qiu replied promptly.
"So, do I look like someone who fears trouble?" Gu Changsheng set down her teacup and smiled mischievously, "I always welcome trouble with open arms."
How could she have the chance to rob if no one brought any trouble? She was, after all, a good person who never liked to cause trouble for others.